OPINION
Newcastle United must move fast to swiftly sign Manchester City’s Brahim Diaz on loan before West Ham use Manuel Pellegrini’s connections to pursue the Spanish midfield maestro.
The Daily Mirror reported that the new Hammers boss’ links with Man City could make the Hammers stronger in the summer window, and the London club could make an approach to sign Phil Foden on loan.
The newspaper claimed that the Hammers were in search of fresh legs for their midfield and were targeting youthful prospects, something the Magpies could also do with targeting.
While the Mirror stated Foden as an option, it won’t take Pellegrini long to realise that he will be better off pursuing Brahim Diaz instead, as just like Foden, the Premier League champions might be open to loaning him out to get game time.
Diaz has a little more versatility in his game, given he can play on either wing as well as through the middle, and given he’s slightly older age he might work out the better signing, with these being things the Hammers boss will quickly work out.
However if there’s any chance that he is set to exit Man City, on a temporary basis this summer, Rafa Benitez needs to be the manager greeting him with open arms.
The 18-year-old midfielder would light up St James Park with his dazzling attacking ability and would bring some much needed energy as well as a goalscoring threat Benitez’s side could do with.
Diaz has proven his talents are worthy of featuring in the Magpies’ first-team next season, as he has done the near impossible task of featuring for Man City first-team, which is packed with world-class talent.
The teenager’s opportunities at the Manchester club were limited, he made five league appearances this season with his total playing time equalling 49 minutes and there’s no reason to suggest he’ll get to feature in enough matches to continue his promising development anytime soon.
This could see him loaned out and Benitez could assure Man City that he is the ideal manager to guide the youth prospect in the next stage of his career.
The Magpies manager has worked wonders with Ayoze Perez, unlocking his potential at St James Park, and with Diaz being a similar player of sorts, he could do the same again.
The 18-year-old has scored four goals, while creating four in 13 appearances in the Premier League 2 in his latest campaign and he could link up with Perez in order for the pair to perfectly compliment each other.
Therefore the Magpies must swiftly act to grab Diaz as if he goes out on loan he needs to be welcomed to St James Park rather than go to West Ham, as he would make a real difference in Benitez’s team.
